As football season has finally hit full throttle, Quartz Hill has finally played its first rivalry game against the Highland Bulldogs. The long-awaited match, which was filled with suspense, tension, and an amazing comeback, epitomized the rivalry between the two teams. The Rebels slugged their way to a win at 20-17.

   The game kicked off with a slow start from Quartz Hill, who did not score in the first quarter. The Rebels’ inability to score lasted throughout the second quarter as well, as they dropped to a 10-0 deficit going into halftime.

   At the start of the 3rd quarter, the game took its turn for the worst for Quartz Hill. Coming out of the locker room, the Bulldogs were able to score a touchdown off of a kick return, increasing their lead to 17-0. At this point, senior running back Manny Thomas knew it was now or nothing. He said, “It [was] the last time I [was] going to play in this rivalry game; I need[ed] to put the team on my back and get back this TD.”

   Thomas, motivated by his team’s deficit, delivered a touchdown in the beginning of the 4th quarter, cutting the Bulldog’s lead down to 17-7. Although this late success seemed miniscule, it completely shifted the momentum of the match. As the Rebels locked down, both offensively and defensively, Davon Jones, the star receiver on our football team, caught a pass and took it all the way to the touchdown with 4:30 left in the game, cutting the Bulldog’s lead to 14-17. Although with little time left, the Quartz Hill team was then able to turn their deficit into a lead by blocking what turned out to be a monumental punt by Highland. With the ball in the endzone, quarterback Tago scored a rushing touchdown, giving the Rebels a 20-17 lead with only 1:00 left in the game. This was not enough time for the Bulldogs to score, allowing Quartz Hill to take the win.

   Year after year, sports rivalry continues, and it is a tradition that will always persist. This game between the Rebels and Bulldogs will forever last in the minds of the many spectators.